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Sulphur Skyline – Jasper National Park

I did this hike in late September this year. This is a nice hike to do, even when it’s a little colder as once you’ve finished you can take a soak in the hot springs to warm back up. The views from the top are truly stunning, it’s a real 360 degree panorama. The patches of larches or trembling aspens (I’m not quite sure which!) on the surrounding mountains were a golden yellow which really contrasted with the dark green forested valleys.

The starting point for the hike is the Miette Hot Springs parking lot, which is a little way off the Yellowhead Highway in Jasper National Park, 61 kilometres from the Jasper town site. The hot springs are open seasonally from May to October so check to make sure the hot springs and road are open before you go!

The trail head for Sulphur Skyline is near the hot springs building, and starts off on a paved trail. The path climbs up through the forest, and is quite steep, but there are several benches along the way which are ideal stopping points.

You’ll eventually reach a flatter shoulder area which is just before the final ascent to Sulphur Skyline. Take a break here and admire the views. I’d also recommend getting an extra layer from your rucksack, it can be cooler at the summit.

Follow the trail up to the summit. The path goes over loose rock, but there are short switchbacks to make the going easier. It doesn’t take too long to reach the summit, but it is relatively steep so you’ll get warm going up but it will feel colder when your at the top!

Once you’ve spent enough time at the top and have taken some photographs of the excellent views, it’s time to make your way back down. To get back to Miette Hot Springs you follow the same route that you took on the way up. It’s handy to have hiking poles with you to get down from the summit.

If you’re back in time, the hot springs are a real treat after the hike before the drive back home.

In total the distance of this hike is approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) return with 700 metres (2300 feet) elevation gain.